Process and apparatus for refining vegetable oils



c. L. RILEY. PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR REIINING VEGETABLE OILS.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 6. I918.

1 ,320,U94= Patented Oct 28, I919.

*ITIJTLL 26' 22 I WITNESSES llI/I/E/VTOR C'IMMPL 19/17 1. /?/L E V /g' mum CHAMPLAIN L. RILEY, OF NORTH PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW

JERSEY, ASSIGNOR TO CLARK, MAOMULLEN & RILEY, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., A 003- PORATION OF NEW YORK.

PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR REFIN IN G VEGETABLE OILS.

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Specification of Letters Patent.

v Application filed March 6, 1918. Serial No. 220,724.

for Refining Vegetable Oils, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to the process of and apparatus for refining vegetable oils, for in stance, cocoanut oils and palm kernel oils in an economical manner. In my prior application, Serial No. 202,272, filed November 16, 1917, I describe a process of refining vegetable oils in which a mixture of such oils and a suitable neutralizing agent are introduced into a comparatively large body of solvent for the soap thus formed, 6. 9., cocoanut oil soap or palm kernel soap, circulating in a separating chamber.

I have now discovered that if instead of introducing the mixture of oil and neutralizing agent directly into the separating chamber, I introduce the mixture into a circulating solvent outside of the separating chamber, I obtain a more economical and complete separation of the soap from the oil and I can dispense with numerous elements of my prior structure. Preferably I usehot wateras my circulating solvent as I then can pass the mixture of oil and soap directly through the pump which circulates the solvent with a consequent agitation and thorough mixing of the materials without forming an emulsion. The introduction of an emulsion into the separating chamber would prevent the effective separation of the oil and soap and hence, is to be avoided. Heretofore, difiiculty has been experienced in the maintenance of the proper level in the mixing chamber because any mechanical appliance, -e. 9., a valve controlled by a ball float, was found to be ineffective due to the soap coating the operative elements. now discovered that if I locate the mixing chamber and separating chamber so that the upper fluid levels of both are the same, I can control the level of the fluid in the mixing chamber by controlling the overflow of the separating chamber. I also employ the circulating solvent as the means to ele- I have.

vate the mixture into the separating chamber. Hence I obtain with but one pump and circulating system, the thorough mixing of the soap and water, the maintenance of the levels in the mixing and separating chambers and the transfer of the mixture from the supply to the separating chamber.

The drawing forming part of this application represents aside elevation of one embodiment of my invention partly in section and partly diagrammatic. A mixing chamber 10 is provided with a suitable mixing means as, for instance, paddles (not shown) secured to rotating shaft 11 actuated by any suitable motive power, for instance, electric motor (not shown). Extending from the top of this mixing chamber and communicating with the interior thereof is a collecting funnel 12. Inlet elements 13 and 14 are adapted to pour the required materials into the funnel 12. Each of these inlet elements is preferably provided with valves 15 and 16 respectively to regulate the flow of materials. The inlet element 13 may, for example, be connected with a suitable tank containing caustic soda while the inlet element-14 may be connected with'a suitable tank containing, for example, cocoanut oil (in case it is desired to purify such oil). Extending from the lower portion of the mixing chamber 10 is a pipe 18 controlled by a suitable valve 19. A T-coupling 20 has one branch connected with the pipe 18 and another branch connected with the pipe 21 terminating in a suitable T-coupling 2-2. One branch of thisT-coupling is connected with a vertically extending pipe 23 terminating in a funnel 24 and adapted to receive hot water from the spigot Patented Oct. as, ram.-

25. The other branch of the "l'-coupling 22 is connected with a pipe 26 communicating with a suitable pump 27 for maintaining the circulation of the solvent. A pipe 28 extends from the outlet end of this pump' and terminates in a suitable valve 29, preferably having a pointed spindle co-acting With a valve seat so that accurate adjustment of the quantity of fluid flowing through the pipe 28 may be obtained. A pipe 30 is connected with the valve 29 andterminates in a T-coupling 31 one branch of which may be closed by a cap nut 32. A vertical pipe and] 33 is connected with the T-coupling 31 and terminates in a conical outlet end 34 located in a separating chamber 35 and may be readily cleaned-by removing cap nut 32. The separating chamber 35 is preferably provided with a cover 36 through which the vertical pipe 33 passes. A plurality of baflles 37 and 38 concentric with a pipe 33, may be supported on said cover. The outer baiile has its lower edge nearer the surface of the fluid in the tank than the adjacent inner bafile. Any number of baii'les may be provided in accordance with the condition of the oil which it is desired to purify or may, in some cases, be entirely dispensed with. The baffles need not necessarily be concentric, as flat baflies or any other shape which form oil chambers may be employed. I have found that, ordinarily, two bafiies, as shown in the drawings, suffice. The separating chamber 35 is provided with an overflow pipe 39 having an outlet member 40 at any convenient height preferably near the upper end of thg tank 35 so that the maximum capacity of the tank may be utilized. The level of the overflow may, however, be at any other point in the tank, as desired. The overflow pipe 39 and member 40 are adapted to maintain the level of the solvent for the soap, for instance, water at the proper level. 41 is provided for the separating chamber 35 having its chamber end slightly above the overflow level of the member 40. The latter overflow is adapted to spill off the oil as it is collected on the surface of the solvent, to which it will rise under normal conditions due to its lower specific gravity. The pipe 41 may be, when certain oils are to be refined, connected with suitablecooking and filtering apparatus. The separating chamber 35 preferably has a conically-shaped bottom for the convenient attachment of an outlet pipe 42 although, of course, any other shape may be employed which will permit the contents of the tank to readily pass into the outlet pipe. The outlet pipe 42 is connected with the return pipe 43 which is connected with one branch of the T-coupling 24. A suitable valve 44 is connected to the pipe 43 so as to regulate the flow of the liquid therein.

In operating my device, preferably I permit hot water to issue from the spigot 25 until water has filled into the entire system up to the level of the dotted lines. I then start my pump 27 which causes a circulation of. the water through the separating tank 35, return-pipe 43 and then through pipe 33. I then may start the operation of my agitator and permit predetermined amounts of oil and caustic to flow from the pipes 13 and 14. I may, of course, use any suitable means for regulating the propor- A second overflow pipe tion of oil and caustic beside those disclosed.

for example, the measuring device disclosed in my application, Serial No. 218,038, filed February 19, 1918. The mixture of oil and caustic is mixed in the tank 10 and settles to the bottom of said tank, through the pipe 18, and enters the circulating solvent by which it is carried along through the action of pump 27 to the separating chamber The pump 2'? causes a thorough mixing of the oil, soap and the solvent. The degree of mixing may be readily controlled by adjusting the valve 29 which limits the flow of liquid through the pipe 30 and hence permits a more thorough churning of the mixture by the pump. I may under certain conditions dispense with my mixing chamber entirely, obtaining the agitation and mixing with any suitable mixing means. The soapy material which has'been formed in the mixing chamber 10 is largely dissolved. by the solvent while it is carried along with it. As the mixture issues from the nozzle 34 the oil, due to its lower specific gravity, flows to the surface of the separating chamber 35, while the dissolved soapy material returns through the pipe 43 by the action of the pump 27. The oil collecting on the surface of the solvent in the separating chamber 35 overflows through the oil overflow pipe 41 and is collected or further purified if desired. The overflow pipe 39 and member 40 maintain the level. of the circulating solvent, not only in the chamber 35 but also in the mixing chamber 10. The addition-0f a fresh supply of hot water through the pipe 23 causes a corresponding portion of soapy material and solvent to overflow through the pipe 40. This soapy material may be collected and treated with acid for the regeneration of the fatty acids, as is well understood in the art. The circulation of the solvent may be maintained until a suflicient quantity of soapy material has been dissolved thereby (readily determined by its appearance) so as to render the acid treatment economical while the overflow of the soapy material may be readily controlled by the addition of regulated quantities of water through the pipe 23.

Various modifications may be made in the details of the structure and process described without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. When in my claims I mention a particular initial step in my cycle of steps I do not mean to limit myself to such step but that any other step may be the initial step.

I claim:

1. The improvement in the art of refining Vegetable oil which comprises introducing a mixture of cocoanut oil and a neutralizing a cut into a solvent circulating in a circuit, dissolving soap formed by the neutralization, recovering the oil, removing the solvent and its dissolved soap from the zone. where the oil is recovered, adding a fresh mixture to the solvent and-returning the solvent to the zone where the oil is recovered, substantially as and for the purpose described.

2. The improvement in the artof refining vegetable oil which comprises maintaining a circulation of solvent in a circuit through a separating chamber, introducing a mixture of vegetable oil and a neutralizing agent into the circulating solvent, dissolving the soap formed by the neutralization, recovering the oil in the separating chamber and introducing more mixture of vegetable oil and neutralizing agent into the circulating solvent from which the oil has been recovered.

3. In an apparatus for refining vegetable oils, the combination of a mixing chamber, a separating chamber, overflow means to control the-level of the fluid in the separating chamber, a pipe extending from the lower end of the separating chamber and communicating with the mixing chamber, a pipe communicating with said pipe and separating chamber, means to maintain a circulation of fluid in said pipes and means to cause the overflow of a predetermined quantity of material through said overflow means, substantially as and for the purpose described.

l, In an apparatus for refining vegetable oils, the combination of a mixing'chamber, a separating chamber, overflow means to control the level of fluid in the separating chamber, connections betweenthe separating chamber and the mixing chamber operative to cause the fluid level in the .mixing chamber to be maintainedto correspond to the fluid level in the separating. chamber, and connections between the first mentioned connection and the separating chamber, including a circulating pump operative to maintain a circulation through the separating chamber.

connections between the 5. In an apparatus for refining vegetable oils, the combination of a mixing chamber, a separating chamber, overflow means to control the level of fluidin the separating chamber, connections between the separat-.

ing chamber and. the mixing chamber operative to cause the fluid level in the mixing chamber to be maintained to correspond to the fluid level in-the separating chamber, first mentioned connections and the separating chamber, including a circulating pump operative to maintain a circulation through the separating chamber, and means to add gradually to the mixture in the mixing chamber, thereby to introduce mixture to the circulating 6. In an apparatus for refining vegetable oils, the combination of a mixing chamber, a separating chamber, overflow means to control the level of fluid in the separating chamber, connections between the separating chamber and the mixing chamber operative to cause the fluid level in the mixing chamber to be maintained to correspond to the fluidlevel in the separating chamber, connections between the first mentioned connec tions and the separating'chamber, including a circulating pump operative to' maintain a circulation through the separating chamber, means to add gradually to the mixture in the mixing chamber, thereby to introduce mixture into the circulating fluid, and means to introduce a solvent into the circulating fluid.

7. In anapparatus for refining vegetable in the mixing chamber is maintained to correspond to the fluid level in the separating chamber during circulation by the circulating pump.

8. In an apparatus for refining vegetable oils, the combination of a separating chamber, a mixing chamber, means for adding a fresh supply of material, connections be tween said mixing chamber and separating.

chamber so that the fluid level in one chamber automatically causes a corresponding fluid level to be maintained in the other chamber when a fresh supply of material is added, and means for causing the circulation from the mixing chamber through the separating chamber substantially as described.

9. In an apparatus for refining vegetable oils, the combination of a separating chamber having an overflow, means to maintain a circulation of fluid in a circuit through such separating chamber independently of said overflow, means to introduce a mixture of oil and caustic into said circulation, and means to regulate the overflow from the separating chamber, substantially as and for the purpose described.

10. In an apparatus for refining vegetable oils, the combination of a separating chamber, a circulating pump, pipes leading from the bottom of the separating chamber to the pump and from the pump into the separating'chamber, means for introducing a mixture in a continuous stream into one of said oils, the combination of a mixing chamber, a separating chamber, connections between the separating chamber and mixing cham-- ber, connections between the separating; chamber and the first mentioned connections including a pump for maintaining the circulation of fluid through said separating chamher, the connectione between the separating chamber and mixing; chamber being opera- 10 tive to cause the fluid level in the mixing eeann i chamber to be maintained to correspond to the fluid level in the sepai'ating chamber during circulation through the separating chamber, and means to introduce a solvent into the circulating fluid outside of the cinculating chamber.

in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

CHAMPLAIIJ L RILEY. 

